[Homer]; Cissarz, J.V. (Decorations)

Homers Odyssee; Nach der Ersten Ausgabe von Joh. Heinrich Voss ["After the First Edition by Joh. Heinrich Voss"]

Stuttgart und Berline: J.G. Cotta'sche Buchhandlung Nachfolger ["J.G. Cotta's Bookstore Successor"], n.d. Hardcover. Octavo size, 352 pp., all text in German. Near fine. Item #26061408

Homer (8th century BCE?) is arguably the most prominent of ancient Greek writers, with his epic poems "Iliad" and "Odyssey" still being read today. With the release of the recent film directed by Christopher Nolan, there is a renewed interest, as well some heated debates regarding translations, in this ancient epic poem.

This publication has, in our humble opinion, faultless design and execution. It is apparently a deluxe version of this work, as recently there were several copies online bound in cloth, whereas this copy is bound in full brown suede with gilt decorations. The title page is stunning, with decorations in sienna and a wonderful typeface (alas, unidentified by us). There are eighteen illustrations after drawings by Bonaventura Genelli bound in throughout and decorations on every page by J.V. Cissarz. While the text is totally in German, any student of Homer's Odyssey would enjoy having this book as part of their collection.

Scarce: as of this writing, we see no other copies of this version online.

___DESCRIPTION: Bound in full brown suede over bevelled boards, gilt lettering and decorations on the front and spine, publisher's device debossed in blind on the back board, all edges gilt, moss-green laid paper endpapers, every page with a decorative border, decorative chapter endpieces, the eighteen illustrations include six which are full-page (not included in the pagination) and the remainder serving as generous chapter head-pieces, with a moss-green ribbon marker; binding octavo size (8 7/8" by 6 5/8"), pagination: [I-IV] V-XIV, 1-338.

___CONDITION: Near fine, the suede binding smooth and not powdered, the boards mostly clean (with a few light, stray spots), straight corners without rubbing (although the suede at the points somewhat faded), the gilt edges bright, a strong square text block with solid hinges, the interior is clean and bright, the ribbon marker attached albeit creased, and entirely free of prior owner markings; some light foxing to the preliminary and final flyleaves, the aforementioned light spots to the binding, and a small spot of soil in the top margin of p. 155.

___POSTAGE: International customers, please note the following: (i) additional postage may apply as the standard does not always cover costs, please inquire for details; and (ii) any taxes, duty, or tariffs charged by your country will, of necessity, be your responsibility.

___Swan's Fine Books is pleased to be a member of the ABAA, ILAB, and IOBA and we stand behind every book we sell. Please contact us with any questions you may have, we are here to help.

Price: $500.00